Mama and Papa's HCG Diet Journey

The HCG Diet: The Good - the Bad - and the Ugly

2009-10-10T20:48:00.001-07:00

When I began the HCG Diet this Summer I had an underlining question that had gone unanswered until now. Do people keep the weight off that they lose while following the HCG Diet? Let me answer that question for you as well as a few more you might have along the way.

THE GOOD: I had met 3 people (all in seperate households and families) in my neighborhood who were in the last phases of the HCG diet when I was trying to decided whether or not to do the diet. All of them had lost a lot of weight and were thrilled with the results. We had read hundreds of stories of people who were just ending the diet and were celebrating their victory. Some of them were even working through a second or third round (which is incredible!) So, naturally, Leif and I wanted in on the party! We jumped in, and in the end of the hard road we had lost a lot of weight. The good part about the HCG Diet is that it really does cause weight loss.

THE BAD: During my round of the HCG Diet I was miserable. It was a very hard experience for me physically and emotionally. This was very perplexing for me because you would think that with so much success I would be in a state of bliss. That was not the case. I was exhausted. I was hungry. And I was melancholy. There were better days then others. But overall looking back the memories are not pleasant. None of them except that my pants size decreased.

It wasn't until I had completed the HCG Diet that I discovered why I had struggled so much. I could tell that it had something to do with the lack of carbohydrates in the diet. Simply because that was the only thing that had changed in my diet. I always eat vegetables and meat. So, I hit my health and nutrition books and my best friend, Google. I was reminded that the carbohydrates that we eat not only provide our body with energy (calories) they provide the first building blocks for serotonin. Serotonin in the body is most known for its mood balancing function. When someone is low on serotonin they are often melancholy or depressed and fatigued.

In my opinion, someone who is already struggling with a low serotonin chemical imbalance (including myself) the HCG Diet could be disrupting to any prior efforts they have taken to balance this chemical in the body. I was on a very low dose of Paxil. Up until the HCG Diet it was balancing the problem. I suppose that if I took more during the diet it might help. But that isn't always easy or helpful. So, for many people the HCG Diet could contribute to an already imbalanced serotonin level in the body. This is the Bad about the HCG Diet.

THE UGLY: It has been around three to four months since Leif and I finished the HCG Diet. The original unanswered question that I had about whether or not people keep the weight off after the HCG Diet has been answered. In my opinion, the answer is most definitely NO! All three of the people that I had met personally who followed the HCG Diet have gained the weight back. Leif and I have most unfortunately gained the weight back.

Why after such a struggle to lose the weight would someone gain it back? I believe it is because the struggle to lose the weight was short lived. It took less then 30 days for Leif and I to lose the weight. A habit can't even be broken and corrected in that short amount of time. Along with the habits not being broken and corrected their was no training on how to live a normal healthy lifestyle. Those of us who follow the HCG Diet are in need of a quick fix. We want to lose the weight, and FAST! But unfortunately, that is not the way to keep the weight off. The only way to keep the weight off is to change the bad habits that brought on the weight in the first place. I believe the very best way to lose weight is through using the Weight Watchers program. I have met several people who have followed Weight Watchers and they have kept the weight off for years. I should have done that! This is the ugly truth about the HCG Diet.

I hope your view looking back is better then mine!

Uhh Yeeeah, Just Kidding!

2009-09-07T20:40:00.001-07:00

So we started the HCG Diet again. I got to the evening of the second VLCD day and I decided I was done. I am so not up to dragging and feeling like I've been put through the washing machine. That is how I feel when I'm on the HCG Diet. So, after no breakfast and chicken and celery for lunch, I decided to make a tasty salad with plenty of chicken and sunflower seeds and vinaigrette dressing for dinner. And we ate until we felt good. I wasn't even going to eat dessert, UNTIL my friend dropped by with a warm apple zucchini pie in hand for us. So, I had a piece. How could I not, right? So, that was last night. We woke up this morning and both of us had lost a pound. So, we smiled and said "heck, maybe we can get lucky and eat normal and use HCG, and still loose weight." So we gave ourselves a shot. Tonight we went to Red Robin for dinner and had all the fixings. Something tells me we didn't lose a pound. I'll let you know though;)

Round Two Begins

2009-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Leif and I have leftover HCG from our first round of the HCG Diet. We will put it to use rather then have it go to waste. We have both gained around 7 pounds since the end of our first round of the HCG Diet. To me, this proves that the HCG Diet is not a magic bullet. It does not guarantee that you will never be overweight again. It is a quick weight loss program. But it is NOT a cure! The only cure is following a healthy diet and lifestyle plan and Determination. That is the ONLY Weight Loss CURE.

We follow a reasonably healthy lifestyle. We are active and we eat well balanced meals. However, we enjoy our sweets. So, until we eliminate that from our diet, we will never be free of the creeping pounds.

But I enjoy the weight being off while it lasts...

HCG Diet Maintenance Update

2009-07-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Look how AWESOME He looks! I say HOT!;)

We're in the middle of the three week HCG Diet maintenance period. At this point, of course Leif is doing great and is at a low. He's lost a couple of pounds. It has fluctuated, but now his weight is dropping. For me, mine has fluctuated as well. I seem to have gained at least one pound. After a steak day I can get my weight to 128. My low was 127. Leif and I have both had at least three steak days that I can think of.

It's hard for me to believe that my weight isn't going to creep up after the maintenance period. The HCG Diet is an interesting science project. Bummer that my body is involved. My mood and chemical imbalance has been severely effected by the HCG Diet. I will explain why in my next post. Leif on the other hand has felt just fine and found great success in the HCG Diet. It is all about different body's bringing different chemicals and issues.

So that's our update. We have about a week and a half left on the maintenance. We have followed a "low carb/no carb" diet. Similar to Atkins. I got online and printed off a months worth of low carb recipes. By now I'm weary of meat and cheese. I'm looking forward to the rainbow of colors and variety I used to have on my table. We still eat a lot of veggies. But I need my grains!
BTW: I don't know why I can't get a good pic of me! That stupid hat! Anyway, I FEEL good with the weight loss. It's my mind and emotions that have taken a plunge. Read my "discovery" post and find out why.

Leif's Before and After Photos

2009-06-29T20:27:00.001-07:00

Leif lost A Lot of inches! I feel bad that we didn't measure. He lost all over. Especially his stomach, legs and arms. He has a little tummy still that he wants to lose. I personally think he looks AWESOME!! I will get a full photo of him soon.:)

Lena Before and After Photos

2009-06-29T20:00:00.001-07:00

I don't have any Great pictures. But this gives you an idea of some of the changes. I lost a chin and a half. I lost around my arms, everywhere else. The places that still need fat loss are my thighs and stomach. The rest I need to tone up!
Thanks HCG For The Help!

End of 500 for Leif

2009-06-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well, we called it quits on the 500 calories. In a way I'm sad to see it end. I was so close to my goal, but at the same time I'm happy with our next steps. During the this next period it seems common to loose another 5-10 pounds, so that would put me at my goal. Also, it is nice because we are starting a exercise program during this period, so not only will I loose the last few pounds but I will hopefully get in shape a little more.

On a side note, you may have noticed that Lena and I didn't loose equally, but if you look at how much we lost in compared to our initial weights its about even. Lena lost 11.6% of her initial weight, and I lost 11% of my initial weight. So on that aspect Lena won.

This is my exercise goals for this time period.

100 push-ups daily
100 sit-ups daily
1 mile on the glider

May not seem like much but its a whole lot more then I'm doing now.

VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) Complete: My Conclusion

2009-06-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's funny, I feel like this part of the diet has ended a bit anti-climatic. I wish that I would have lost a lot of weight right up to the end. Unfortunately, I plateaued for several days. So I lost a bit of excitement.

But it is good to be moving on. Honestly, I do feel bad that I didn't reach my goal. I kick myself for not enduring through to the 40 days. But really, I was done. I needed huge and immediate results steadily in order to keep my mind and self control into the game. Once that ended, it was over.

So, anyway, how do I feel about the HCG Diet? Would I recommend the HCG Diet?

I am going to call this my preliminary conclusion. I will make my final conclusion in about two months. Then I will really be able to see the beginnings of the long term effects of the HCG Diet. For today, I would only recommend this diet on certain conditions.

First, I would insist that the person read Pounds and Inches word for word and really understand it.
Second, I would only recommend it if the person had been taught about living a healthy lifestyle and just needed a jump start on their weight loss.
Finally, I would only recommend the HCG Diet to people who were completely dedicated to following the diet with no doubts. Self control is mandatory!

How has the HCG Diet effected my general health?

The weight loss has been wonderful! My body naturally feels better when it's not carrying around extra fat. The aches throughout my body (chronic aching in joints) was non existent while using the HCG. My heal is hurting a bit again now that the HCG is out of my system. On the negative side, I'm still not sure why I am spotting again. It might be due to a drop in progesterone now that the HCG is out of my system. I read the the HCG raises the progesterone in women to aid the uterus' lining for the fetus when pregnant. It's an interesting thought...

7-4-09
Spotting only lasted one day. Did not turn into bleeding. Ended up being no big deal.
Feeling good these days!

Those are my preliminary conclusions. Stay tuned for further thoughts.

HCG DIET DAY 27: No shot day

2009-06-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's eggs, sausage, and cheese tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it! I am grateful for the weight loss and I hope to continue to lose weight while on the maintenance phase! Leif put it well when he said told me that we have both lost about 10% of our previous weight. That feels good.

Strange thing happened tonight. I started spotting again, as if I am going to start another period. Not Cool! This has never happened before. So it makes me wonder... My lower back hurt really bad yesterday too. So this isn't surprising. But very annoying if it goes into a full blown period again. The one I just got over a week+ ago was really heavy and long. Ugg!

HCG DIET DAY 26: No shot day

2009-06-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Well, we're done! We've decided to end this phase of the HCG Diet. We'll be moving to the maintenance phase in 48 hours or so, Monday to be exact.

We both woke up this morning with very minimal weight loss. For me, this has become the norm. I haven't cheated (except for the two tiny camping cheats) until just a bit ago. My body is DONE! I need to eat more and I need more carbs. I found myself SOO hungry and crazed while feeding the baby lunch that I chowed down a cracker and I snuck a peanut butter cup. Why I even let that in the house is BEYOND ME! STUPID!

I could tell I was done this morning. I just feel it. So I asked Leif how he felt and he's fine with ending a week earlier then planned. We've lost a lot of weight and inches. I feel bad that I haven't reached my goal. But I wonder if I can keep losing throughout the next month or so. I know we aren't supposed to. But I think that Dr.S. means that the people who have reached their minimum weight should not continue to loose weight. Maybe I'm wrong. But I am going to listen to my body and Pray for the best.

I put a swimming suit on today. I actually felt comfortable enough to go play out in the yard with the kids in their pool. This is a Big Deal! I feel okay about my body. There are little things like my upper thighs, my tummy pouch, and my arms that I'd still like to see trimmed. But I am really looking forward to exercising and weights! Really, I am actually looking forward to it. That is another sign of progress.

So, there it is. I'm now gathering recipes for the next three weeks. Things are looking tasty. I hope we feel more content on the next phase and don't think so much about our weight. It's starting to run over into our 4 year olds vocabulary. I'm nervous about hearing "how many calories is in that?" from a four year old.

HCG DIET DAY 25

2009-06-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

Today wasn't as perfect as yesterday, but it wasn't too bad. I woke up and hadn't lost any weight. That was disappointing. We had fun tonight. We found out that a restaurant near by has a menu set up just for HCG Dieters. We went out and had a delicious steak, zucchinni, and strawberries. It was a tasty treat!

We're looking forward to this phase being complete. We went out to a movie tonight and it was sad not being able to eat a little candy bar or something. We never buy the popcorn anyway. But a little treat would have been nice.

We're grateful for the HCG Diet. But ahhh the future sounds yummy!

HCG DIET DAY 24

2009-06-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today was a really good day! I'm not exactly sure why I felt so good, but it was nice to feel well. I have a few ideas of why today was probably one of my best days on the HCG Diet. Leif decided to up out HCG dose a tiny bit this last week. Apparently it has been left out of the fridge a couple of times and he's worried the potency has decreased. I did not feel hungry AT ALL today. This is unusual for me. I usually feel hunger throughout the day. Today, NONE! I am also finally all through my menstrual cycle. I'm wondering if that has something to do with it? Either way, I'm grateful!

I did finally lose a half a pound by this morning. That feels really good. I'm not sure I will make it to even 120 pounds let alone 115 by our final HCG day. But I'm still feeling really good. I went to a garden party last night and I met up with friends that I usually see on a regular basis that have been a way for the last month. They didn't know about the diet and they asked right away what I had done to lose weight. I am feeling the weight loss, and people can see the weight loss. It feels great!

HCG DIET DAY 23

2009-06-24T21:07:00.001-07:00

WOW! Today is the minimum mark. The HCG Diet should be followed for a minimum of 23 days.

Honestly, I'm wondering what is going on. I think my body likes 129 pounds. I have only lost two pounds in a week. On this diet, that's not much at all. Leif on the other hand is losing a pound here, a pound there. Tomorrow, I really hope for something startling! If not, well, maybe I'm done?

Very grateful for the HCG Diet, but if I stop losing weight then I'm not going to go through it day after day. So we'll see?

Weight Stats: Day 22

2009-06-23T20:23:00.001-07:00

LENA
Weight 128.4
Fat 30.0
Water 51.2
Muscle 33.8

LEIF
Weight 197.4
Fat 25.5
Water 56.2
Muscle 39.8

Weight Stats: Day 21

2009-06-23T20:21:00.001-07:00

LENA
Weight 129.2
Fat 30.5
Water 50.8
Muscle 33.9

LEIF
Weight 198.0
Fat 25.3
Water 56.4
Muscle 39.1

Weight Stats: Day 20

2009-06-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

LENA
Weight 129.4
Fat 30.6
Water 50.8
Muscle 34.7

LEIF
Weight 199.0
Fat 25.9
Water 55.9
Muscle 39.8

Weight Stats: Day 19

2009-06-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry I missed a few Stats Dates because of camping.

LENA
Weight 130.2
Fat 30.9
Water 50.5
Muscle 34.0

LEIF
Weight 199.8
Fat 26.0
Water 55.9
Muscle 39.5

HCG DIET DAY 22

2009-06-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today was a better day. Last night was a night where if I was allowed, I would have eaten a bowl of Peanutbutter Panic ice cream and chocolate chip cookies. It's called emotional eating. The HCG Diet does not leave any room for emotional eaters.

My guess is that if you stay on the diet for a long enough period of time then you will gradually overcome this addiction. For me, I will have to hope that I can keep things under control. I won't be on the diet for the full 40 days. Our last day of the VLCD is day 30 for us. We'll be starting our maintenance phase on July 1st.

Today we had to eat salmon and turkey instead of the usual meats. We have run out of our HCG Diet food and money to buy more. That is part of the stress that's urging me to wish for my emotional eating foods. We are both students and the financial aid for our classes hasn't come in it's been very frustrating and stressful. So if you know that your life will be stressful when you do the HCG Diet, our blog is the one to follow. Our life has been absolute stress! My posts' reflect that perfectly.

My current frustration is that I haven't lost any substantial weight for several days. Almost a week actually. So that is really frustrating! We borrowed Leif's parents' elliptical trainer today. I will use it for at least 15 minutes every night. Hopefully this will jump start my metabolism. I am still breastfeeding my toddler in the morning and at night. I'm wondering if that has kept my weight loss to a slower speed. I'm glad I've kept enough milk though!

So, tonight, I am alright with the HCG Diet. I just REALLY hope that my weight loss is a large amount within the next 7 days!! Here's Hoping!!!

HCG DIET DAY 21

2009-06-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I am having such a hard time on this diet when all over the Internet you read about how awesome it is and how person after person can follow the HCG Diet without any cravings.

Me on the other had, I am a maniac! I hate it tonight and I seriously hope I lose 2 pounds overnight so I can keep my sanity!

HCG DIET DAY 20

2009-06-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

Today was Father's Day. It still amazes me how much our culture revolves around food. It's Father's Day, so what do you plan to do? Have a barbecue with all the fixins', right? Well, we had chicken and onions. Not quite what we would have liked. Leif did eat a candy bar that the church gave out to all of the fathers. He enjoyed it! He skipped lunch too. So I'm sure he'll be fine.

Today it felt good to have a lot of people compliment Leif and I on our weight loss. It feels good to see that people are noticing. We feel good too. I am able to wear clothes that I haven't worn in several years. And they fit well. Leif is looking awesome too. It will be fun to go shopping together when we're done!:)

Technically, we are thinking about ending on July 1st so we can eat on the 4th of July. But tonight I am wondering if I want to just continue past that until I reach my 115 goal and just splurge on the 4th. I'm not sure yet?? We have a big family reunion later in July. So I will look at the calender. I want to be completely done with the Phase 3 for the trip. So We'll see...

HCG DIET DAY 19: The counting down game...(leif)

2009-06-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

I guess this is the best part of the diet. No longer are we counting how many pounds we lost, but how many more we need to loose. No longer are we counting how many days we have been on it, but how many days we have left.

We still have at least 10 more days to go before either of us reach our weight goals but it sure feels good to be getting closer. Also, we both feel lighter and we can see the difference the diet has made.

Anyway...the cravings aren't so bad the last day or so. It kind of goes day by day...

My Opinion About LOADING Days

2009-06-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

You know, We have followed Dr. S' protocol almost perfectly. So this means that we loaded Big Time during the first three days. I was just looking back at my weight stats and I weighed 139.6 on the morning that we started loading. I weighed 144 when we were done. I really wonder if those loading pounds were worth it.

It says that you have to build up your structure fat reserves before doing the HCG Diet. But when a person is so overweight to begin with, and haven't been "yo yo dieting" for years, I just don't see the need to gain more weight. Yes, I have read Pounds and Inches word for word. I'm just saying I'm not sure it's necessary. I'd be interested to hear from several people who have tried Not loading to find out their experiences...

HCG DIET DAY 18

2009-06-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

We are home today. I'm Very Grumpy and moody. I started my menses a few days ago (yes while camping, even more of a drag!)

I am still doing the shots during my period. I wasn't about to prolong the diet just because of my period! I want food and Leif is weary of the diet too. HOWEVER, we are thrilled with our weightloss, so we will keep going. Sad that we can't just sit back and be grateful isn't it? Human nature I guess...

HCG DIET DAY 17

2009-06-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

We were camping again today. Same story. However, we splurged again today and ate one serving size of trail mix, one serving size of crackers and cheese, and one serving size of chocolate chips.

We woke up again weighing a little less. So that eases our conscience.

Why did we have these foods in the first place? So our kids wouldn't starve. I'll post about doing the HCG Diet when you have kids another time.

HCG DIET DAY 16

2009-06-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

We were camping today. Have you ever gone camping while on the HCG Diet? Let's just say that it cuts down on the cost of food. It also makes for a Very Boring meal plan. Not dutch oven potatoes. No dutch oven cobbler. NO SMORES! No hot chocolate. It basically sucks.

HOWEVER! Leif and I finally broke down a tiny bit while camping. One of the girls at the camp made all of the leaders a cute little treat. It was a saying that went along with a Resses peanut butter cup. We just couldn't break her heart and decline it, right? No worries, we didn't.:) We ate it, and enjoyed it! And we woke up in the morning 2 POUNDS lighter!:) Now that's my kind of diet!:) Nah, I'm kidding. I don't think it's a good idea to cheat on the HCG Diet. But we feel fine about the tiny things we did while on our camp out.

I don't recommend any camping while on the HCG Diet. Unless you're used to boring food for camping and you're out just for the scenery. Then, you're all hooked up!

HCG DIET Day 15 (leif update)

2009-06-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

The good news is that I am 1/2 way to my weight goal. The bad news is that I've been hungry today. Not starving but hungry. Also, my body hurts. I don't know if that is related or not, but I don't feel good and I want to eat a cookie!

Hopefully I have a better day tomorrow. I really isn't fun feeling this way.

Weight Stats: Day 14

2009-06-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

LENA
Weight 132.8
Fat 31.9
Water 49.8
Muscle 33.4

LEIF
Weight 205.0
Fat 27.5
Water 54.8
Muscle 38.8

Weight Stats: Day 13

2009-06-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

LENA
Weight 133.4
Fat 32.2
Water 49.6
Muscle 33.5

LEIF
Weight 206.0
Fat 27.7
Water 54.8
Muscle 38.9

Weight Stats: Day 12

2009-06-15T22:14:00.001-07:00

LENA
Weight 133.4
Fat 32.2
Water 49.6
Muscle 33.4

LEIF
Weight 206.2
Fat 27.7
Water 54.6
Muscle 38.9

HCG DIET DAY 14

2009-06-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Well, the first thought that came to me is that, it pretty much sucks. But I have to give background on that. I am completely exhausted at the moment. I had to do all of my homework for the week today. I can't even remember how many papers and essays I wrote. My brain just shut off before I could write the last one I need to. So I am weary.

We have to pack for an unexpected camping responsibility that I have tomorrow. We leave the next day for a few days. The HCG Diet has put a damper on how fun camping can be. We won't be able to eat any yummies and that makes Leif and I "more grumpy" as he puts it. I wonder why food is such a forceful factor in our world?

We would love to just stop where we're at. But we don't want to mess up what we've already accomplished and we want to reach our goals. I really hope my attitude shapes up.

On a positive note though, I made it to 132 today. I really needed that boost of motivation today and Leif lost one pound. So that helped him a bit. We are so grateful for how fast we have lost the weight. I feel bad for how much I complain. But I would go CRAZY if I didn't just tell it like it is.

If someone asks me if they should do the HCG Diet, I will just direct them here and tell them to decide for themselves. In the end, I'm sure we'll be THRILLED about the HCG Diet.

Leif Update (HCG DIET Day 13)

2009-06-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today we have struggled. It actually wasn't the energy...we seemed to do fine.. It was two things. First I was hungry...at least I was having hunger cravings. Second, I was having food cravings. I don't know if you can tell the difference.

Hunger cravings is when I have a tid bit of hunger and walked over to the fridge then realizing I couldn't eat anything in it I wanted.

Food cravings is when I see I food I enjoy, or smell it, or hear about it, and crave it because it just sounds great. (this is including hot dogs, cheese, tortillas, hamburgers, crab salad...) I'm not really hungry it just sound good.

Also it didn't help today that neither of us loss hardly any weight this morning. We will cross our fingers tomorrow because that is a huge motivating factor.

HCG DIET DAY 12

2009-06-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, today felt almost like any normal day for me. With my vitamin B, I am physically well. The only struggle at this point like Leif mentioned is the desire to eat other foods. Every time I make our son a sandwich I just Long to eat it. But we have resisted and I am grateful for the weight that I am loosing.

Our hell week is coming up. I am a leader for the Young Women's program in our chrurch. We changed our plans and are now Going to the 3 day Girls' Camp. It will be so sad not to be able to enjoy the recreational foods that we have in our culture. Smores' by the fire, hot cocoa before bed, cookies and munchies, dutch oven cooking... It WILL NOT Be Easy! I pray that we are greatly blessed for our sacrifice!

Another Day another pound...

2009-06-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

(Leif update)

I wish it was that easy. Yes, a day has passed and yes, I lost another pound, but it sure didn't just go smoothly.

We had energy for some of the day. For me it kind of came and went in spurts. Also, I was a little hungier then usual, a little grouchier, little more tired, and a lot of cravings!

THE CRAVINGS!!!! DARN THOSE CRAVINGS!!!!!

AAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauugh (Running away screaming)

HCG DIET DAY 11: Vitamin B makes the HCG Diet Possible!

2009-06-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

Today is by far my BEST day on the HCG Diet so far!! I think that it is a combination of a lot of reasons why it has been so good. For sure, the vitamin B Complex drops have SAVED me! Just after lunch I started to feel like I have been feeling every other day and I took another dose of the drops. Within 30 minutes I was cleaning my house and mopping my kitchen floor. By then I had taken around four doses within yesterday and today. So I know that it really helps. I'm sure grateful. I was wondering if I could finish the course.

I made an interesting connection today. I'm wondering if my small set back on the scale yesterday has to do with the coconut oil that I smeared all over my arms and legs the day before. My skin was ready to peel off it was so dry (: not really :) but it was dry. Anyway, I looked on HCGInfo.com and they said that you could use coconut oil for dry skin. But I'm thinking it might not be the best idea.

So today is a good day. I woke up and I had lost a pound. And I have been able to function great today for the first time in a week. It feels really good.

My goal is to hit the 132 pound mark by tomorrow. Here's Hoping!!

Weight Stats: Day 11

2009-06-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

LENA
Weight 134.0
Fat 32.4
Water 49.4
Muscle 33.3

LEIF
Weight 207.4
Fat 26.2
Water 54.3
Muscle 38.6

Weight Stats: Day 10

2009-06-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

LENA
Weight 135.0
Fat 32.9
Water 49.1
Muscle 33.6

LEIF
Weight 208.6
Fat 28.4
Water 34.1
Muscle 38.3

Leif Update...

2009-06-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

Pros of the day: Afternoon and Evening felt good. Good energy, not tired, not hungry except right before dinner. We also got our Vit. B drops today too!

Cons: Morning not much energy. Saw many foods that I CRAVE. I think it is my mind craving them, not really my body.

Deep thought of the day: When I can see a cheese tortilla and not crave it, then I can go off this diet. It means I will have broken the food addictions that I currently have.

HCG DIET DAY10

2009-06-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

My Vitamin B arrived today. That's about as good as it gets.

My body is rebelling against the HCG Diet. It is as if a Mama Bear has come to visit in my place. To me, this is not acceptable.

We will evaluate how things are going on day 23. That is the minimum days for the traditional HCG Diet. So I will do it until then and then decide.

9:48 PM
I sure wish I had this energy and good mood during the day! I'm hoping that the two rounds of Vitamin B are kicking in and helping me. I really need to find a happy medium as you can see from my post earlier this afternoon.

I found an HCG Blog where the lady warned to watch your lean body mass while on the HCG Diet. I don't have a scale or the knowledge at the moment to watch the muscle pound for pound. But my scale does show muscle percentage. So I will watch that closely.

I have heard the HCG Diet referred to as a starvation diet twice in the last couple of days. Yesterday, it bugged me. Today, feeling like I did I agreed. I believe that it is somewhere in between. At this point, I will not recommend the HCG Diet for more then 1 round. I honestly don't have a CLUE how people can go more then one round. But from what I have read, my body just follows along with the possible side effects. Bummer!

I keep pondering about early pregnancy symptoms and the HCG Diet and how they are realted. So far, the first ten weeks of pregnancy for me are HADES! I get Very Very ill and am hospitalized at least once during that time. I have had people including myself joke that I am allergic to pregnancy. I am starting to wonder if I really do react to the HCG Diet just like I would react if I only had this much of the hormone when I am pregnant? It's an interesting thought...

HCG DIET DAY 9

2009-06-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

I usually post at night. And by then I can't find much good to say. So I decided to mix things up a bit and post this morning.

This morning I am Happy!! Last night when I went to bed I told myself that I was going to wake up and be somewhere in the 134 pound range. I told myself this every time that I woke up throughout the night (baby's sick again.)

Well, I woke up and sure enough, I'm in the 134 range! AWESOME! This gives me motivation to keep going!!

Maybe I'll post again tonight...

HCG Diet Grocery and Supplies List

2009-06-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

HCG
Needles
Tom’s Toothpaste
Pantene Pro-V Classic Shampoo and Conditioner 2 in 1
Irish Spring Bar Soap
Apples
Strawberries
Chicken Breast Tenderloins
Lemon Juice
Mixed Greens
Cucumbers
Red onions
Radishes
Tomatoes
Garlic
Cabbage
Melba Toast
Real Salt Organic Garlic Power
Real Salt Organic Onion Powder
Asparagus
Celery
Green Onions
Eye of Round LEAN Beef (3 OZ.)
2 Oranges
Strawberries
1 Grapefruit (not bottled)
Braggs Amino Acids (a form of soy sauce in the natural foods section)
Mrs. Dash Original Blend

Weight Stats: Day 9

2009-06-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

LENA
Weight 134.8
Fat 32.9
Water 49.1
Muscle 33.2

LEIF
Weight 209.0
Fat 28.6
Water 54.0
Muscle 38.4

Weight Stats: Day 8

2009-06-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

LENA:
Weight 136.0
Fat 33.3
Water 48.8
Muscle 33.3

LEIF
Weight 209.0
Fat 28.6
Water 54.0
Muscle 38.3

Tired. I'm tired...

2009-06-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I'm tired? Well, I'm tired.

Now this isn't necessarily the reason of the diet. I worked hard in the yard for a couple hours and stayed busy most the day. Also it is 9:30 at night which is our bed time. We will see what happens when we step on the scale tomorrow.

HCG DIET DAY 8

2009-06-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

Well, unfortunately today was pretty much a drag... literally. I have a strange surge of alertness and energy around 5:00AM if the baby wakes me up around that time. I actually find it hard to fall back to sleep. But then I sleep in and am dragging much of the day. I literally couldn't concentrate or focus on the homework that I needed to do today. I felt better towards the end of the day. But that may have been because I just walked away from the computer and tried not to think about it anymore.

I read today that you aren't supposed to feel so run down while on the HCG Diet. I'm not sure what's wrong with me? I'm making sure that I reach exactly 500 calories a day. My vitamin B hasn't arrived yet. I'm hoping that will help!

We watched a movie tonight and my very first and natural instinct was to decide what dessert we would have during the movie. It was hard.

It's strange, I am actually too nervous to quite now. I've heard that people who have quite early end up gaining weight faster then before they started HCG. That is not an option for me. I told myself that if I did this I would do it right, and completely. Now I just have to dig deep into the reserves and make it.

Honestly, it's not the lack of fun food or the restricted calories that are the most difficult for me. It's the lack of energy and mind power that I have and the requirement that I have that isn't being met. I pray that I will gain strength soon so I can accomplish all that I need to...

HCG DIET DAY 7

2009-06-08T22:24:00.001-07:00

Well, it's not impossible and it is Not Easy! Really, it's the lack of energy that is getting us. Hopefully it will balance. But I'm not so sure. It might just come with the territory.

However, on the plus side, it is worth it! As long as I continue to lose I will be content.

The HCG Diet can teach a person many lessons when it comes to eating to nourish your body. I mentioned in my introductory post that I was concerned because the HCG Diet seemed to go against some of the things I have been taught when it comes to optimum health. I don't believe that anymore.

After preparing the meals and eating them for a week. I realize that this is very similar to what many of the "greats " teach us. We eat a lot of vegetables and a bit of protein. Yes, grains are required for a well balanced diet and are missed during the HCG Diet. But as long as you are eating them when not on the HCG Diet you should be fine. Dairy is also missing. Some people would argue that this is not a problem. I say a small amount of diary is fine in a menu.

What I am trying to say is that during this time on the HCG Diet, Leif and I are consciously trying to glean any lesson that we can. We are trying to pay attention to our bodies and stop eating when we are full. You would think that you would never feel full on a 500 calorie diet. The amazing thing is that we often feel stuffed after a meal. Very interesting...

We are also planning ahead what habits we will refuse to take back up when the diet is over. We have discussed what new habits and foods we hope to continue when all is said and done.

Overall, I don't think this is waisted time.

Weight Stats: Day 7

2009-06-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

LENA:
Weight 136.2
Fat 33.5%
Water 48.6%
Muscle 33.1%

LEIF:
Weight 210.0
Fat 28.8%
Water 53.8%
Muscle 38.2%

Leif's Update

2009-06-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

Still going strong. So far I have resisted lunch meat as I made Jakob a sandwich, Cheese (yes I actually resisted...but it hurt), and licking peanut butter off of my finger...so I'm doing good. I do complain occasionally, but Lena is kind and doesn't give me TOO hard of time.

I've been feeling fine. Not tons of energy and a little the feeling of being bloated at nights, but not bad really. I also don't like the shots that much. I was thinking earlier it is kind of a bummer we did this during the summer. I had all these great plans to do in the yard, but at least this first week I just haven't had the energy.

On the plus side it is great to see the pounds dropping so quick. I would not be able to do this without seeing immediate results. I like losing 8 pounds in one week. At this rate I should only go on 2 more weeks! Yes, I know it will slow down, but gee it is fun losing the weight.

On looking at myself, I don't really see too much change. Like I said maybe in the tummy a little. I don't think I will really start noticing until I get around the 200 range. We shall see...

And there is my update...

Total Weight Loss: Week 1

2009-06-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

Looks like the HCG Diet is living up to what we had hoped. We have both consistently lost weight. Enough weight to notice on the scale as well as physically. We're hoping that we'll continue with this pattern.

Week 1 Weight Loss Totals

LENA:
Pounds Lost (after day 3) 7.8 Pounds
Fat Percentage Lost 3.4%
Body Hydration +2.5% (up to 48.6%)
Muscle Percentage -.6%

LEIF:
Pounds Lost (after day 3) 8.6 Pounds
Fat Percentage Lost 2.8%
Body Hydration +2.0% (up to 53.8)
Muscle Percentage -1.1%

HCG Diet Yummy Salad

2009-06-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

This was the first meal that Leif and I ate when we started Phase Two of the HCG Diet. I really had no idea what to expect. Our doctor gave us a few recipes to make. This turned out so pretty and yummy that I had to take a picture.:)

Weight Stats: Day 6

2009-06-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

LENA:
Weight 138.0
Fat 34.2
Water 48.1
Muscle 33.2

LEIF:
Weight 211.8
Fat 29.5
Water 53.3
Muscle 38.0

HCG DIET DAY 6

2009-06-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. I think that my body is getting more accustomed to the HCG Diet. I did spread strawberries throughout the day too. That was helpful!

Leif has been doing okay. Although, he has felt bloated a lot of the day.

We had 3 oz. of eye of round beef today for dinner. It wasn't until after we ate that we read the fine print on our recipe and found out that US meat can't be considered the same as Italian meat (where the recipe was created) calorie-wise. Our meat often has more fat. So we had to adjust things accordingly. It was tasty. But we're not serious carnivores so chicken on a regular basis is the norm for us. I think we'll keep the beef to Sunday Dinner.

Anyway, things seem good. Tonight we had a really yummy baked apple with cinnamon. Green apples are definitely the most flavorful. It was a nice treat.

HCG DIET DAY 5

2009-06-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had a special family gathering. Naturally food was involved. Leif and I were strong and left before everyone went out to dinner. As we drove away we discussed how clear it was that food is a huge part of our culture. The HCG Diet has taken us back hundreds of years. Back then, food was a necessity. People literally ate to live. Today, we as a culture eat for recreation.

The HCG Diet is only hard because it is No Fun. There is no fun involved in eating very little portions of boring food. However, the benefits are worth it. Leif is thrilled that we are already seeing results. I am too, but he talks about them more.:)

I realized today that my blood sugar is very much effected by this diet. I am extremely irritable until I eat. Once I eat I am a lot more pleasant for a couple of hours. I react especially well to strawberries. I've decided to start my day with strawberries and I might end my day with them as well. We'll see. Maybe I should spread them out throughout the day... I am also looking forward to the Vitamin B that's in the mail.

Life right now is stressful. Good, but stressful. I am taking two college English courses and Leif is taking one. We have two little boys, 29 chickens, and a garden that demand daily attention. I won't even bring up what my house looks like right now. So the lack of energy that I feel much of the day hasn't been easy.

You may ask why we're still going through with it. Well, I still believe it's worth the sacrifice. I want this weight gone and I know that it will be off within the next month if I do my part. That is pure incentive to me. I am determined to follow through completely and I have the Love of my life as my teammate. Who could ask for more!?

Papa's Update

2009-06-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

weak...no energy...still getting fatter...especially my tush...the needle is the size of a harpoon...

NOT.

Actually today is day 2 of the the 500 calorie diet. The first day I lost a little over 5 pounds. Crazy. I didn't feel very hungry at all.

Today I'm still feeling pretty good. It was hard when the children had beef steak for lunch when I was having a salad. Though I know it is worth it. I already think I see a decrease in tummy size. Fun. Today was our 5th shot so we are already 1/8 of the way over. Yaaaaa...

Weight Stats: Day 5

2009-06-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

LENA:
Weight 140.4
Fat 35.3
Water 47.4
Muscle 33.3

LEIF:

Weight 213.4
Fat 29.9
Water 53.0
Muscle 37.8

HCG DIET DAY 4

2009-06-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Well, you know that Junk feeling I talked about earlier? Well, it hit today! I was pretty much useless!

The food turned out good. I felt no unusual hunger. But I was tired and ornery. I finally stopped to think about what the problem might be besides the HCG Diet. I concluded that it might be that I didn't take my vitamin B complex. It has too much sugar (it's a juice liquid.) So, I got online and purchased a sublingual complex. Hopefully I snap out of it!

On the other hand, like I said I was pleased with the food that I made today. I will post a picture of the salad we ate later.

So, Leif and I weight ourselves tonight and were pleasantly surprised to see the scale lower then this morning. Usually I weigh a good four pounds more at night... We'll see what the morning weigh in brings.

Leif's doing great!

HCG Diet Weight Stats: Day 4

2009-06-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

LENA:
Weight 144.0
Fat 36.9
Water 46.1
Muscle 33.5

LEIF:
Weight 218.6
Fat 31.6
Water 51.8
Muscle 38.7

HCG Diet Weight Stats: Day 3

2009-06-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

LENA
Weight 141.6
Body Fat 35.8
Water 46.9
Muscle 33.4

LEIF
Weight 218.0
Body Fat 31.5
Water 51.8
Muscle 38.3

HCG DIET DAY 3

2009-06-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

Well, our stomachs are exceedingly full. Tomorrow's sparse food intake might actually be a relief. Leif says that he thinks he has already felt the appetite suppressant effect from the HCG. I'm not sure if I have or not. I have just always felt full.

Anyway, I understand the science behind these first three days. I hope that we have aided our body by filling it with fat. But it was extremely strange. I did have on deep thought this evening. The thought was that there is a huge difference between Free Range and Restriction. No, I am not talking about feeding chickens. I noticed that when I was free to eat any junk that I wanted, I didn't crave it as much. But when I have such a strong restriction against it, my mind fights it without end. Again, the power of the mind...

Well, here is where it really begins...

Addendum: I keep forgetting to mention that during these three days I have had a really hard time getting to sleep. I do have a tendency towards insomnia. But I felt like the problem was either the HCG or the large amount of sugar intake. Since there will be no more sugar, I should know soon enough.

Breastfeeding During the HCG Diet

2009-06-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

Our youngest little one is 14 months old. I still breastfeed him in the morning and at night before bed. These feeding probably total about 4 ounces of breast milk in a 24 hour period. I did not want to put the HCG Diet on hold any longer because it won't be long before we invite another little one into our family and I want to be 30 pound lighter and healthier before that happens. However, starting the diet was not an easy decision for me and I felt very torn between what was right and what was wrong.

Breastfeeding during the HCG Diet is not recommended. That is the standard answer that a woman will receive when doing research about the subject. There are many reasons for this. The first reason is that there are many degrees or levels of breastfeeding. There is the mother who nurses her baby exclusively and is the baby's soul source of nutrients. The mother who breastfeeds her baby occasionally throughout the day as the baby supplements with other foods. Then there is the mother like me who is breastfeeding her toddler as a source of bonding and comfort for her growing toddler, not as a source of the baby's nutrients and calorie intake. Finally, there are countless other situations that would fall under breastfeeding. So, as a blanket approach, breastfeeding is not recommended while doing the HCG Diet.

Now, with that said, I will try to give a few reasons why it is a good idea to take this precaution seriously. Then I advise every mother to take in the facts and evaluate her own personal situation, just as I have done. Then make the decision on her own with the baby's best interest in mind.

The body burns calories when producing breast milk. The body also requires nutrients from the mother to make breast milk. These calories and nutrients come from the mother's fat source. If a mother is limiting her calorie and nutrient intake and also losing her fat stores extremely fast, it is reasonable to say that the breast milk could either be eliminated all together or be short on the proper nutrients to sustain a nursing baby's nutritional needs. If a baby is even close to exclusively breastfeeding, this is a risk to take very seriously!

There are many things that are stored in the fat cells of the human body. There are nutrients and hormones, as well as harmful toxins. The HCG that is used in the HCG Diet helps the body in a way to sift up those stagnant fat cells, which releases everything that is within those cells. If this happens very quickly (which is common with the HCG Diet) then there will be toxins floating around in the blood and the body that will take time to be eliminated. If a woman is breastfeeding then it is possible for these toxins to get into the breast milk. Another reason to take breastfeeding while on the HCG Diet very seriously.

With that all said, I will wish all of the women out there who have been, or are in my shoes right now Good Luck. Listen to your Mother Heart and follow it!

Photos: Before HCG Diet

2009-06-03T22:19:00.001-07:00

These photos are humorous. But they give an idea of where we're at and where are problem areas are.:)

HCG DIET DAY 2

2009-06-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

Today was more my kind of "feeding my face." Yesterday was a lot of meat and cheese. Today, it was chocolate and ice cream! MMM! I definitely can handle more of that stuff then Leif can. It's interesting how that works.

The other observation that I am pondering is how I haven't really felt the Junk feeling that I anticipated during these first three days. Feeding the body so much Crap Food (sorry for the nasty term, but that is what this kind of food is called in our home.) You would think that I would be emotionally and physically sick (like past times of gorging.) Well, I'm really not too bad off. I am wondering if it is the power of the mind. Almost like I have given myself permission to do this, so the guilt factor doesn't play it's roll in the consequences. The mind and it's power is incredible!

We tried to eat as much as possible whenever we ate today and I pretty much downed a big bag of M&M's all by myself today. So if that's not stocking up on the fat, I don't know what is!

M&M's
Croissants with cream cheese
Enchiladas
Peanut Butter Panic ice cream
Pudding Pound Cake

Leif is doing well. It's hard not to enjoy this part of the HCG Diet.:) He's not complaining!

Supplements We Take

2009-06-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

We take a few supplements during the HCG Diet. Here is what we take and why.

LENA

Rainbow Light Prenatal: I want to continue to build my reserve of nutrients throughout the next couple of months. I believe that everyone benefits from a high quality multi vitamin. This certain vitamin is considered safe for someone who follows the Vegan diet/lifestyle. This would make it safe for the HCG Diet as well because it does not have any calories and is all plant based.

Calcium with Vitamin D and Magnesium: I have to take a calcium supplement because I have a genetic condition that causes my bones to be more weak then normal. Again, this should not be a problem for the HCG diet. (That is my opinion.)

Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B's are considered a water soluble vitamin. This means that they are not stored in the body fat. Because most of the nutrients that you receive while on the HCG diet stem from that of the vitamins released from the fat, it makes sense that a person will benefit from supplementing vitamin B (I recommend a sublingual complex) while following the HCG diet.

Chlorophyll: A lot is stored in a person's body fat. Everything from vitamins, to hormones, to toxins. Because this is true, I have decided to take something that will gather those toxins that will be released into the body and blood when the fat cells are stirred up during the HCG Diet. Chlorophyll will do just that. It is like a magnet for the metals and toxins (free radicals) in the body. It will gather them up and be eliminated. Chlorophyll can be mixed with water and has a very subtle taste (almost like an herbal tea) and it only has about five calories in a full days serving.

LEIF

Rainbow Light One A Day Multi Vitamin for men (See above reasoning)

Vitamin B Complex (See above reasoning)

Potassium: This will help avoid muscle cramps that often happen when a person doesn't eat enough potassium. The HCG Diet doesn't afford a lot of potassium rich foods.

HCG Diet Weight Stats: Day 2

2009-06-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

LENA
Weight: 140.0
Fat: 35.1
Water: 47.5
Muscle: 33.6

LEIF
Weight: 217.2
Fat: 31.2
Water: 52.1
Muscle: 38.7

HCG Diet Weight Stats: Day 1

2009-06-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

LENA:
Weight: 139.6
Body Fat: 31.2
Water: 47.6
Muscle: 33.7

LEIF:
Weight: 217
Body Fat: 31.2
Water: 52.2
Muscle: 39.3

HCG DIET DAY 1

2009-06-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

I have never eaten so much bacon and sausage in all of my life. YUCK! Tasty, but a weird feeling to just eat it all without a thought about the lack of nutrition value and the negative effects. Then to eat all day and still go to the grocery store and buy 4 chocolate truffles, 1/2 a pudding pound cake, chocolate chip cookie dough, M&M's and a Gatorade. Granted all of the treats were for the next few days, but still, I was too embarrassed to go to the counter. I made Leif.:)

Honestly, that's not unusual for some people. Even we usually have a dessert each night. But eating such huge meals and then the treats too. It is a lot! All of the food and treats are Very Tasty. But Leif and I couldn't even fit in all of our planned meals today. It's an interesting part of the diet...

We gorged and it was yummy. But it won't be fun to see the scale tomorrow.

We did the first shot this afternoon. I thought it would be a lot more dramatic. But it wasn't. No problem at all! Leif gave us the shots and I only felt the initial prick and nothing else.

Preparing for the HCG Diet and Introduction

2009-06-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

I first heard about the HCG Diet a few months ago. My sister in law did the diet and she lost a lot of weight. But I was very sceptical about whether the diet was safe nutrition wise for a person. So, I blew it off as a crazy and unsafe idea. Then my weight that I had lost after giving birth started to creep back into my life. NOT OKAY. Especially when I live a healthy lifestyle and the fat just seemed to appear over night and come right back to it's original home around my hips, stomach, and rear end. Something needed to be done.

Then I fell upon the HCG Diet again through my studies as a Holistic Health Practitioner. I finally read Dr. Simeon's "Pounds and Inches" manuscript. I read it word for word from a Health Practitioners stand point. It made perfect sense to me. My main concern was where people would get their nutrients. Then I read and remembered that there are some nutrients (not to mention calories) in fat. Once that fat is moved around the nutrients are released into the body.

After reading the manuscript I decided to take on the diet as a science project. I want to evaluate how I feel physically, emotionally, and hormonally. My theory is that the HCG protocol will help balance all of the hormones in the body. We'll see how it effects me. Honestly, this truly will be a journey for me. Many things in the diet go against some of the theories that I am studying as a Holistic Health Practitioner. That is why I am keeping this blog. To help me sort things out through my personal experiences.

My husband and I are both doing the HCG Diet. Neither of us are horribly overweight. But we are over weight and show the classic symptoms that Dr. Simeon describes. I carry most of my weight around my stomach, hips, bust, and butt. My husband Carry's it all up front (classic basket ball stomach.) So, we're looking forward to the balance of the fat, both the loss of fat as well as the proper distribution of the fat.

We have a local doctor who will be our supporting physician through the next 40 days. We are grateful to live in a small town where we get the small town service. Our local pharmacist ordered the HCG and needles for us. We paid a total of $80.00 for everything.

So, I've done my homework, drawn up a plan, and we're ready to go!